Bhubaneswar: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food business operators for allegedly using misleading brand names, trade names and product claims that may violate provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations.
The regulator announced the action through its official social media platforms, stating that the companies had been flagged for claims and branding practices that could potentially mislead consumers regarding the nature, quality or health benefits of their products.
The companies that received notices include Emami Healthy & Tasty, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B and Neuherbs.
Among the prominent firms named is Emami Group’s cooking oil division, Emami Healthy & Tasty. According to FSSAI, the trade name itself is likely to create a misleading impression among consumers and may not comply with applicable food safety and labelling regulations.
Plan B, which markets certain products as “plant-based vegan,” has also come under scrutiny. The regulator noted that the branding could lead consumers to believe that the products carry approved vegan certification, despite the company allegedly not obtaining the necessary endorsement for vegan food claims under its FSSAI licence.
FSSAI further questioned claims made by The Healthy Factory, particularly for products such as “Zero Maida Whole Wheat Bread” and “Zero Maida Pizza Base.” The regulator observed that such descriptions may be misleading given the ingredients used and could be in violation of established labelling norms.
Neuherbs has been served a notice over its “True Vitamin” product range. According to FSSAI, the term is neither formally defined nor recognised under existing regulations, making it potentially misleading for consumers seeking nutritional supplements.
Similarly, snack products marketed by Troovy, including “Healthy Mix Veggie Chips,” “Healthy Ragi Chips” and “Healthy Moong Dal Chips,” have been flagged for using the term “healthy” despite containing multiple ingredients that may not justify such a claim under regulatory standards.
The regulator also raised concerns over branding and promotional phrases used by Healthy Master, Healthy Choice and Health Aid. Taglines such as “Vision to Serve Healthy” and “Healthy Food for Healthy Life”, as well as the use of terms like “Health” and “Healthy” in brand identities, were cited as potentially misleading if not supported by approved nutritional criteria.
The action forms part of FSSAI’s broader efforts to strengthen food labelling standards and ensure that consumers receive accurate and transparent information when purchasing packaged food products. The regulator has increasingly focused on curbing exaggerated or unsubstantiated health claims that may influence consumer choices.
The companies concerned are expected to respond to the notices and provide clarifications regarding their branding, marketing and product claims. Further action, if any, will depend on the outcome of the regulatory review.
The development underscores the growing emphasis on truth in food labelling and consumer protection, as authorities seek to ensure that marketing claims are scientifically supported and compliant with food safety regulations.
-OdishaAge
